This NYC Restaurant Is Said To Be One Of The Most Haunted Places In America
Located in the New York City's West Village, this restaurant is one of the most haunted places you can grab a meal. It's considered to be a hub for ghostly activity, according to both staff members and diners.
According to Haunted Rooms, the spirits here like to wreak havoc, and staff members have observed flickering lights, dishes flying off tables, machines turning on by themselves, or picture frames tilting and falling off the walls. The ghosts reportedly like to prank women by stealing their earrings. Other diners have been startled by a ghostly woman dressed in black. Some of the wait staff have said that spirits will even touch or push them. And, per Haunted Rooms, restaurant lore says that a host quit his job after being repeatedly shoved around by an invisible figure on a stairwell.
Managers noted that most staff become used to the supernatural activity pretty quickly because most of the spirits (generally) seem harmless. Workers estimate there may be 20 ghosts in total. And legend has it that the ghosts of former residents Aaron and Theodosia Burr have haunted the restaurant for decades (via Haunted Rooms). As Eater reported in a 2011 interview, General Manager Rosanne Martino said, "I've had experiences. Inexplicable experiences. I've been here for eight years and I have seen a lot."
Ghosts who love to play pranks
The restaurant, One if by Land, Two if by Sea, is actually a hotspot for proposals, romantic dinners, and wedding events. In 2020, the establishment was named one of the "Most Romantic Restaurants" by Architectural Digest. The restaurant serves dishes like beef wellington, seared Atlantic scallops, and fusilli calabrese pasta. And according to the restaurant's website, One if by Land, Two if by Sea, if you're looking for a singular experience, try their seven-course dinner. That gives guests plenty of time to keep their eyes peeled for a ghostly apparition or two.
This particular building, built in 1767, has a unique history. Aaron Burr, the former U.S. Vice President, and his daughter Theodosia Burr stored their carriages in the Barrow Street building during the 1770s (via One if by Land, Two if by Sea). Beneath the building is a tunnel built in the 1800s which is connected to the nearby Hudson River. It was suspected to have been used first for contraband, and later for the Underground Railroad. And the property transformed throughout the years and has been used as a silent movie theater, bar, restaurant, and saloon. Today, the restaurant remains open for those who want a fancy meal at a historical New York haunt.